Ms Alison Hocking1,2, Prof Lynette Joubert2
1Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia, 2University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
Biography:
Alison Hocking is Allied Health Service Development Manager at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, having previously been Manager of Social Work and Diversity at RMH. She is a current PhD student at the University of Melbourne.
Lynette Joubert is Professor of Social Work at the University of Melbourne. She has an extensive history of building academic-practitioner research collaborations.
Abstract:
Background:
An innovative model of academic-practitioner research collaboration in health social work has been implemented between the University of Melbourne and the social work managers of 5 affiliated teaching hospitals. The collaboration is focused on practice relevant research questions and innovation, and promotes an evidence base for social work practice. The 5+1 model has resulted in the development of a community of social work scholars across the Royal Melbourne Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Women’s Hospital in Victoria.
Aim: The 5+1 model aims to develop sustainable projects and programs focused on capacity building as well as exploring advanced practice options for social work. In addition, the model focuses on future workforce through a clinical educational program offered to Masters of Social Work students, which is integrated with practice relevant research.
Method: The 5+1 adopts a methodological pluralist approach utilising evaluation research methodologies, exploratory qualitative and grounded theory research designs, large scale surveys and explores and implements evidence implementation relevant to social work practice.
Discussion: Outcomes to date have included 4 peer-reviewed publications; a National network of health social work researchers; 4 webinars with national, Finnish and Mt Sinai, USA health social workers; current development of an international Health Social Work Practice Research Collaboration linked to the International Committee of Practice Research; success in State & professional funding grants; and the supervision of 32 Master of Social Work students. There are 7 PhD students supported across the 5+1 collaboration.